Teenagers from ten municipalities of Western Georgia are actively participating in an online course on conflict management and violence prevention. Among their peers, they openly talk about challenges, stereotypes and the desire for change.
"I understand that the more I learn, the more I want to tell others. I want to protect myself and help others," said one of the participants.
Young people want to become ambassadors of peace in their regions and authors of positive changes.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
A psychologist of the Fund “Sukhumi” held meetings in five municipalities, in Women Support Centers of (Khurcha/Zugdidi, Tskaltubo, Senaki, Vani, Terjola). The main topic of the meetings was "Violence against women and the importance of relationships."
These meetings imply support and care, which is especially important for those who have ever faced violence. Violence is not only physical (blows, beatings), it is often silence, fear, offensive words and loss of self-esteem. Often violence occurs quietly, within the walls of the family, from where no sounds are heard. According to the psychologist, this is why meetings and personal communication with such women are necessary to tell them: "You are not alone"! One meeting can give strength, woman can start to speak, ask for help, and we can support and save her.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
During the next meeting of the women's mutual assistance group in Vani, the participants shared various information with each other. One part of the meeting was devoted to digital literacy.
The group members always attend the meetings with great interest. Such meeting was held in the village Khurcha (Zugdidi municipality), Kobuleti, Chokhatauri. In accordance with the needs of the women's mutual assistance group members, sewing courses were opened in Tskaltubo, which is very important for them.
Some of the meetings - in Tskaltubo, Tsalenjikha, Terjola, Kutaisi, Senaki, Khobi - were held online, but no less active and interesting.
A psychologist participated in the meetings together with a digital literacy teacher, who gave the participants useful advice. The group members got acquainted with new materials on our web page https://sosfsokhumi.ge/ – “Digital Service Center for Women Victims of Violence”. Project Assistant Nino Chabukiani notes: “During the meetings, we talked about civil initiatives. The group members filled out questionnaires where they recorded these initiatives. They are interested in different areas of work – poultry farming, cooking, cutting and sewing. These and other areas are presented in the questionnaires. According to the women, support for their initiatives is very important.”
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund (Canada)
The rate of identification of cases of violence in Women Support Centers has increased. This was facilitated by the work of Para-specialists. 12 cases were identified during a month. As a result of social work, more than 150 beneficiaries received information about victim support services. Women receive consultations on both legal and psychological issues. The Centers' mobilizers are constantly with them.
Out of 12 cases, the condition of ten beneficiaries improved due to the involvement of a psychologist, and two continue to work with a lawyer on legal issues.
Two women together with their children underwent psycho-rehabilitation at the Rehabilitation Center of our organization: their stable condition is the result of comprehensive work of all the employees of the Center.
The women's reviews:
"When you know exactly whom to address and do not waste time on it, this is important assistance."
"I am a single mother, my social assistance was stopped, I did not know whom to address. Representatives of the Fund “Sukhumi” helped me.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
During information meetings initiated in the municipalities of Terjola, Vani and Chokhatauri, women were introduced to the results of the research "Gender aspects of women's migration" conducted by our organization. It is planned to implement initiatives aimed at preventing migration and reducing its negative consequences, which will be based on the needs of specific communities.
The meetings noted that the migration issue requires multi direction work, although women's groups can also make a small contribution.
The main challenges were identified as: economic empowerment of women and support for women who have started small businesses but do not know how to expand the market.
It was noted that training in these skills will become a tool for preventing migration and will help other women who are afraid to engage in such activities and see migration as the only solution for a better future for their children.
Attention was paid to the consequences of migration - children who grow up without mothers. Particular emphasis was placed on childhood traumas that are not compensated by financial well-being. The women set themselves the goal of working in this area with both children and women migrants in order to promote better relationships between children and mothers.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Our new research "Gender aspects of women's migration" became the main topic of the meetings held in Senaki, Tskaltubo, Tsalenjikha and Zugdidi (village Khurcha).
The meetings were attended by activists of the Women Support Centers. After the presentation, women's groups actively discussed the ideas for civil initiatives. According to women, it is important to disseminate information about migration, work in direction of supporting children of migrant mothers and the economic empowerment of women. It is also necessary to inform women about protection mechanisms when traveling abroad, and contacts to adress if necessary.
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
The doors of our organization's Rehabilitation Center are always open to those who need support.
A 25-year-old woman, a mother of three children, intimidated and humiliated, addressed the center after a difficult experience. On the very first day, she noted the sensitivity of the professional team.
The joint efforts of a psychologist, lawyer, social worker and assistant working with children gave the following result: "The reality exceeded all expectations. I could not even imagine that such a support service existed somewhere... Here I really felt warmth, attention and care"...
For the first time, she believed that she could start new life. Respect, care and sincere support became the first steps on the path of self development.
This is just one story. Every woman who comes to the center writes her own story...
The project is implemented with the support of the organization Brot
für die Welt - Evangelischer Entwicklungsdienst (Germany)
Where is the highest risk of domestic violence?
The map we have compiled will show you the level of violence risk in 11 target municipalities of Western Georgia.
The map of domestic violence/violence against women risk indicators was posted on our website "Digital resource center of services for women victims of violence" two years ago: https://sosfsokhumi.ge/
The map allows you to assess the risks and quality of security from domestic violence and violence against women in the municipalities of the target regions for a timely response to existing threats - https://sosfsokhumi.ge/map
The project is implemented with the support the Equality Fund(Canada)
Representatives of our organization Mery Gelashvili and Larisa Shengelia, as well as community workers from five target municipalities (Kutaisi, Khoni, Tskaltubo, Zugdidi, Poti) participated in a two-day training that took place in Tbilisi on the topic of social activism and behavior change.
The training was attended by 24 people from three partner organizations (Association of IDP Women "Consent ", Charitable Humanitarian Women Fund "Sukhumi" and Women's Information Center).
Participants were introduced to the functioning of a mutual assistance group and a model of behavior change. During group work, they identified community needs, behavioral barriers, and developed practical ideas for changes adapted to community needs. The training was conducted by invited experts from the UN Women and behavioral scientists. The knowledge gained will help participants achieve consistent changes in their communities.
The project is implemented with the support
of the UN Women organization
